Understanding how binge eating relates to obesity in food-insecure adolescents

Binge Eating as a Mechanism Underlying the Food Insecurity-Obesity Paradox in Adolescents

NIH-funded research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11141966

This study is looking at how not having enough food can lead to obesity in teenagers, especially through binge eating, and it aims to find ways to help young people from low-income backgrounds eat healthier and maintain a healthy weight.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11141966 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the connection between food insecurity and obesity in adolescents, focusing on binge eating as a potential contributing factor. The project aims to identify modifiable mechanisms that can be targeted for obesity prevention among adolescents from under-resourced backgrounds. Led by Dr. Vivienne Hazzard, a registered dietitian and public health researcher, the study employs advanced statistical methods and intervention design to explore these relationships. By understanding these dynamics, the research seeks to inform effective strategies for promoting food security and healthy weight in affected populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents experiencing food insecurity who may also struggle with binge eating behaviors.

Not a fit: Patients who are not adolescents or those who do not experience food insecurity may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted interventions that help reduce obesity rates among food-insecure adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that addressing binge eating can be effective in obesity prevention, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.